Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 20, 2024

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced key leadership appointments across several properties in India, aimed at enhancing guest experiences and strengthening operational excellence.

Deepak Lakra has been appointed as the Operations Manager for Cozzet Mahad, a 60-room property in Maharashtra that is set to open soon. Lakra will manage pre-opening preparations and daily operations. With experience in the Middle East and India, he has previously worked with leading hospitality brands such as Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, and Oberoi Hotels. Lakra’s expertise in operations and food and beverage management positions him to ensure high-quality guest experiences at Cozzet Mahad.

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In Bhubaneswar, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has appointed Suraj Kumar Rath as Operations Manager for Cozzet Victoria. With over two decades of experience, Rath has worked with prestigious brands like ITC Fortune Park Hotels, Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, and Swosti Premium. His strengths in strategic operations, innovation, and marketing have earned him accolades, including the Best Revenue Management award from ITC Fortune Park Hotels. Rath’s leadership is expected to further enhance guest satisfaction at Cozzet Victoria.

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Amit Kumar has been appointed as Hotel Manager for Cozzet Bindal, Jamshedpur. Kumar brings 16 years of experience in hospitality, having worked with well-known brands such as Sterling Holidays, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, and Leela Hotels. His comprehensive experience in operations, guest services, and team leadership is expected to drive future growth for the Jamshedpur property.

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Additionally, Abhishek Bhattacharya has been named Hotel Manager for Cygnett Collection KK Hotel in Ayodhya. Bhattacharya’s 17-year career includes leadership roles with brands like Radisson Hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Hyatt. His expertise in business development and revenue optimization is expected to raise the profile of the Ayodhya property and strengthen its market position.

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These leadership appointments reflect Cygnett Hotels & Resorts' commitment to excellence, reinforcing its standing as a key player in the hospitality industry.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 12, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Milan Rawal as its new Human Resources Manager. Bringing over nine years of experience in hospitality human resources, Milan joins the hotel with a strong background in people management and HR operations.

Over the course of her career, she has worked with several hospitality organisations including Foodlink F&B Holdings Ltd., Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Hyatt Place Hampi and Goan Recreation Clubs Pvt. Ltd., gaining experience across various aspects of human resource management.

In her new role, Milan will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's overall HR function. Her responsibilities will include talent acquisition, payroll management, employee relations, workforce planning and budgeting, employee engagement initiatives, learning and development programmes, as well as ensuring compliance with HR policies and labour laws.

Milan holds a PGDM from MIT University and a Master of Commerce degree from S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics.

Outside her professional commitments, she enjoys playing badminton, travelling and spending time with her family.

Commenting on the appointment, Rishabh Jain, General Manager of Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, said, "We are delighted to welcome Milan to our leadership team. Her strong HR expertise and people-centric approach will play a key role in strengthening our workplace culture and supporting the hotel's continued growth."

Sharing her thoughts on joining the hotel, Milan Rawal said, "I am excited to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to contributing towards building a positive and engaging work environment while supporting the team's growth and success."


Astera Ventures Appoints Prashant Hoskoté as Non-Executive Director

Astera Ventures Appoints Prashant Hoskoté as Non-Executive Director

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 12, 2026

Astera Ventures, an India-based advisory firm that supports high-growth emerging companies through strategic consulting and investments, has announced the appointment of Prashant Hoskoté as a Non-Executive Director on its Board.

With over 35 years of experience in customer experience and quality leadership, Hoskoté joins the board at a key stage in Astera Ventures' growth journey. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the company's leadership and governance as it continues to expand its role in the global hospitality sector.

Astera Ventures is a key shareholder in Sunday Proptech, a hospitality owning and operating platform focused on developing and scaling hotels under PRISM, the parent company of OYO, Townhouse, SUNDAY and other hospitality brands worldwide. Sunday Proptech currently owns and operates 38 hotels across the United States and is actively pursuing expansion opportunities across the US, India and Europe. The platform brings together hospitality operations, real estate partnerships and brand-led growth to deliver quality guest experiences at scale.

Speaking about his new role, Prashant Hoskoté said, "I look forward to enabling strong governance and providing the right steer as Astera Ventures grows its portfolio and its key investment Sunday Proptech builds its next phase of growth in global hospitality. Astera Ventures plays an important role in this journey, and I am excited to contribute at the board level."

Hoskoté currently serves as the CEO of PH Factor, a board advisory and organisational excellence consulting practice based in Delhi NCR. Prior to this, he was President – Global Engagements at Striking Ideas. Over the course of his career, he has held several leadership positions, including Senior Director – Quality, Service Excellence, and Innovation at Max India Group, along with key roles at Mashreq Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and the Taj Group of Hotels.

He started his professional journey with Qimpro Consultants, the Indian affiliate of Juran Institute Inc., USA.

Beyond his corporate leadership experience, Hoskoté has contributed significantly to the quality and excellence ecosystem. He has served on the National Board for Quality Promotion at the Quality Council of India, held the position of Vice-Chair of ASQ's Quality Management Division – Global (Asia and Australia), and chaired ASQ's Organizational Excellence Technical Committee. In 2014, he was recognised among the "50 Most Talented Quality Professionals" at the World Quality Congress. He is also a published author and an international speaker.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Milan Rawal as its new Human Resources Manager.

Milan brings over nine years of progressive experience in hospitality human resources, having worked with reputed organisations such as Foodlink F&B Holdings Ltd., Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Hyatt Place Hampi, and Goan Recreation Clubs Pvt. Ltd.

In her new role, she will oversee the hotel’s entire human resources function, including talent acquisition, payroll management, employee relations, workforce planning and budgeting, employee engagement, learning and development, as well as compliance with HR policies and labour laws.

Academically, she holds a PGDM from MIT University and a Master of Commerce degree from S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics.

Speaking on the appointment, Rishabh Jain, General Manager of Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, said, “We are delighted to welcome Milan to our leadership team. Her strong HR expertise and people-centric approach will play a key role in strengthening our workplace culture and supporting the hotel’s continued growth.”

Milan Rawal shared, “I am excited to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to contributing towards building a positive and engaging work environment while supporting the team’s growth and success.”

Outside of work, she enjoys playing badminton, travelling, and spending time with her family

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